Wave anchor soil reinforcing connector and methods

ABSTRACT

A facing anchor assembly for securing a facing to a soil reinforcing element, the facing anchor assembly including first and second horizontally-disposed plates vertically-offset from each other and having at least one transverse protrusion disposed on each plate. The transverse protrusions can receive and seat at least one transverse wire of the soil reinforcing element and a coupling assembly can be configured to secure the at least one transverse wire in place, and also frictionally engage a pair of longitudinal wires of the soil reinforcing element between the first and second horizontally-disposed plates, thereby preventing removal of the soil reinforcing element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/684,479, which was filed on Jan. 8, 2010. The content of the priorityapplication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into thepresent application, to the extent that it is not inconsistent with thepresent application.

BACKGROUND

Retaining wall structures that use horizontally positioned soilinclusions to reinforce an earth mass in combination with a facingelement are referred to as Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE)structures. MSE structures can be used for various applicationsincluding retaining walls, bridge abutments, dams, seawalls, and dikes.

The basic MSE technology is a repetitive process where layers ofbackfill and horizontally placed soil reinforcing elements arepositioned one atop the other until a desired height of the earthenstructure is achieved. Typically, grid-like steel mats or welded wiremesh are used as earthen reinforcement elements. In most applications,the reinforcing mats consist of parallel transversely extending wireswelded to parallel longitudinally extending wires, thus forming agrid-like mat or structure. Backfill material and the soil reinforcingmats are combined and compacted in series to form a solid earthenstructure, taking the form of a standing earthen wall.

In some instances, a substantially vertical wall, typically made ofconcrete or steel facing panels, may then be constructed a shortdistance from the standing earthen wall. The vertical wall not onlyserves as decorative architecture, but also prevents erosion at the faceof the earthen wall. The soil reinforcing mats extending from thecompacted backfill may then be attached directly to the back face of thevertical wall in a variety of configurations. To facilitate theconnection to the earthen formation, the vertical wall will frequentlyinclude a plurality of “facing anchors” either cast into or attachedsomehow to the back face of the wall at predetermined and/orspaced-apart locations. Each facing anchor is typically positioned so asto correspond with and couple directly to the end of a soil reinforcingmat. Via this attachment, outward movement and shifting of the verticalwall is significantly reduced.

Although there are several methods of attaching soil reinforcingelements to facing structures, it nonetheless remains desirable to findimproved anchors and anchor-designs offering less expensive alternativesand greater resistance to shear forces inherent in such structures.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a facing anchor assembly forsecuring a facing to a soil reinforcing element. The facing anchor mayinclude a first horizontally-disposed plate and a secondhorizontally-disposed plate vertically-offset from the firsthorizontally-disposed plate, where each horizontally disposed plate hasa first end and a second end. At least one transverse protrusion can bedisposed between the first end and the second end of eachhorizontally-disposed plate, wherein the at least one transverseprotrusion is configured to receive and seat a first transverse wire ofthe soil reinforcing element. A coupling assembly may be configured tosecure the first transverse wire within the at least one transverseprotrusion and further engage a pair of longitudinal wires of the soilreinforcing element between the first and second horizontally-disposedplates, thereby preventing removal of the soil reinforcing element.

Other embodiments of the disclosure may provide a swiveling facinganchor assembly for securing a facing to a soil reinforcing element. Theswiveling facing anchor assembly may include a firsthorizontally-disposed plate and a second horizontally-disposed platevertically-offset from the first horizontally-disposed plate, whereineach horizontally disposed plate has a first end and a second end, aswivel plate having a first end and a second end, the first end of theswivel plate being configured to be coupled to the second end of thefirst and second horizontally-disposed plates, and at least onetransverse protrusion disposed between the first and second ends of theswivel plate, wherein the at least one transverse protrusion isconfigured to receive and seat a first transverse wire of the soilreinforcing element. The swiveling facing anchor may also include aretainer plate configured to be coupled to the second end of the swivelplate and engage a pair of longitudinal wires of the soil reinforcingelement between the retainer plate and the swivel plate, a firstcoupling assembly adapted to pivotably secure the swivel plate betweenthe first and second horizontally disposed plates, and a second couplingassembly configured to secure the first transverse wire within the atleast one transverse protrusion and further bind the pair oflongitudinal wires of the soil reinforcing element between swivel plateand the retainer plate, thereby preventing removal of the soilreinforcing element.

Other embodiments of the disclosure may provide a method of securing afacing to a soil reinforcing element. The exemplary method may includeproviding a first horizontally-disposed plate and a secondhorizontally-disposed plate vertically-offset from the firsthorizontally-disposed plate, where each horizontally disposed plate hasa first end and a second end. The method may further include seating atleast one transverse wire of the soil reinforcing element into at leastone transverse protrusion disposed between the first end and the secondend of each horizontally-disposed plate. Moreover, the method mayinclude securing the at least one transverse wire within the at leastone transverse protrusion with a coupling assembly, wherein the couplingassembly is further configured to engage a pair of longitudinal wires ofthe soil reinforcing element between the first and secondhorizontally-disposed plates, thereby preventing removal of the soilreinforcing element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an exemplary facing anchor assembly,according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an isometric view of the exemplary facing anchor assembly ofFIG. 1 connected to a soil reinforcing element and facing, according toone or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 a is an isometric view of the exemplary facing anchor assembly ofFIG. 1 with an exemplary connection apparatus, according to one or moreaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 2 a, where theexemplary connection apparatus is engaged, according to one or moreaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary facing anchor configuration,according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a side view depicting an exemplary connection of the facinganchor assembly to a facing, according to one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a top plan view depicting an exemplary connection of thefacing anchor assembly to a facing, according to one or more aspects ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of an exemplary facing anchorconfiguration, according to one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5B is a side view the exemplary facing anchor configurationdepicted in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an exemplary facing anchor connectionconfiguration, according to one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of the exemplary facing anchor assembly ofFIG. 1 with an exemplary connection apparatus, according to one or moreaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the exemplary facing anchor assembly of FIG.7A.

FIG. 7C is an isometric view of the exemplary facing anchor assembly ofFIG. 7A coupled to a facing, according to one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7D is an isometric view of the exemplary facing anchor assembly ofFIG. 7A coupled to a facing, according to one or more aspects of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes severalexemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures,or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components,arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify thepresent disclosure, however, these exemplary embodiments are providedmerely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat referencenumerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and acrossthe Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurationsdiscussed in the various Figures. Moreover, the formation of a firstfeature over or on a second feature in the description that follows mayinclude embodiments in which the first and second features are formed indirect contact, and may also include embodiments in which additionalfeatures may be formed interposing the first and second features, suchthat the first and second features may not be in direct contact.Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined inany combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodimentmay be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing fromthe scope of the disclosure.

Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the followingdescription and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilledin the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the samecomponent by different names, and as such, the naming convention for theelements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, thenaming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish betweencomponents that differ in name but not function. Further, in thefollowing discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should beinterpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” All numericalvalues in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unlessotherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of thedisclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosedherein without departing from the intended scope.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, illustrated is an exemplary facing anchorassembly 100 according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In at least one embodiment, the facing anchor assembly 100may include a pair of plates 102 that can be horizontally-disposed whenin exemplary operation. Each plate 102 may be made of carbon steel, suchas a low allow steel, but may also be manufactured from otherhigh-strength materials exhibiting similar strength characteristics,such as ceramics or high-strength plastics. Furthermore, each plate 102may have a vertically-disposed tab 104 at one end and define a trough105 at the other end. Interposed between the tab 104 and the trough 105of each plate 102 may be at least two longitudinally-offset transverseprotrusions 106. At least one coupling perforation 108 located betweenthe transverse protrusions 106 can be defined in each plate 102.Moreover, at least one facing perforation 110 may be defined on each tab104 and at least one plate perforation 112 may be defined between thetab 104 and the transverse protrusion 106 closest to the tab 104.

In one or more embodiments, the facing anchor assembly 100 may beconfigured to receive and secure a soil reinforcing element 114 (FIGS.1B and 1C). An exemplary soil reinforcing element 114 may encompass awelded wire grid having at least two longitudinal wires 116 disposedsubstantially parallel to each other, and a series of transverse wires118 welded to the longitudinal wires 116 in a generally perpendicularfashion. In an exemplary embodiment, the spacing between eachlongitudinal wire 116 may be about 2 in. to about 4 in., while thespacing between each transverse wire 118 may be about 6 in. As can beappreciated, however, the particular spacing and configuration of thelongitudinal wires 116 and transverse wires 118 may vary to accommodatean assortment of MSE applications.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a first transverse wire 118 a and asecond transverse wire 118 b may be captured and seated within thelongitudinally-offset transverse protrusions 106 of at least one plate102. In other exemplary embodiments, the first and second transversewires 118 a,b may be located on the underside of the soil reinforcingelement 114, thereby capturing and seating the transverse wires 118 a,bin the transverse protrusions 106 of the opposing plate 102. Moreover,even other exemplary embodiments (not illustrated herein) may includesoil reinforcing elements 114 with transverse wires 118 attached to boththe top and the bottom portions of the longitudinal wires 116, therebyseating transverse wires 118 in each transverse protrusion 106 of eachplate 102.

The coupling perforations 108 of each plate 102 may be used to securethe soil reinforcing element 114 within the transverse protrusions 106.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, a nut 120 and bolt 122 assembly,including washers 124 disposed on either side, may be used to tightendown on the soil reinforcing element 114. In exemplary operation,tightening the nut 120 and bolt 122 assembly may effectively prevent theremoval of the first and second transverse wires 118 a,b from thetransverse protrusions 106 of at least one plate 102. This may alsoserve to clamp the longitudinal wires 116 between the two plates 102,thereby creating a frictional engagement therebetween.

As can be appreciated, securing the first and second transverse wires118 a,b within the transverse protrusions 106 may provide an equaldistribution of shear stress along the length of the transverse wires118 a,b, instead of focusing shear forces at a singular weld point.Moreover, clamping the longitudinal wires 116 between the plates 102 mayserve to distribute tensile forces between each longitudinal wire 116,instead of relying on a single wire during MSE shifting.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the exemplary facing anchor assembly 100 may beused to secure a facing 126 to an earthen formation 128. The earthenformation 128 may encompass an MSE structure having a plurality of soilreinforcing elements 114 extending horizontally into the earthenformation 128 to add tensile capacity thereto. The facing 126 maygenerally define an exposed face (not shown) and a back face 130; theexposed face may encompass a decorative architectural facing and theback face 130 may be located adjacent to the earthen formation 128. Inone or more embodiments, the facing 126 may consist of an individualprecast concrete panel or, alternatively, a plurality of interlockingprecast concrete modules or wall members that are assembled intointerlocking relationship. In another embodiment, the precast concretepanels may be replaced with a uniform, unbroken expanse of concrete orthe like which may be poured on site.

In at least one embodiment, a portion of the facing anchor assembly 100may be cast directly into the facing 126 to secure the assembly 100against removal. As illustrated, the tabs 104 of each plate 102 may bepart of the portion cast into the facing 126 and may serve to providerigidity and stability to the resulting connection. The plates 102 maybe cast into the facing 126 and vertically offset from each other toaccommodate the receipt of the soil reinforcing element 114 therein. Theresulting gap created between the adjacent plates 102 may generally flexto allow entry of an element 114.

In another exemplary embodiment, the plates 102 may not be cast into thefacing 126, but may be bolted, or otherwise attached, directly to theback face 130. For example, holes may be drilled into the concretefacing 126 and configured to receive a bolt and washer assembly (notshown) in conjunction with the facing perforations 110 defined on eachtab 104.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 a and 2B, illustrated is another exemplaryembodiment of securing a soil reinforcing element 114 to the facinganchor assembly 100. As illustrated, a U-shaped connector pin 202 may beinserted into the respective troughs 105 defined on each plate 102,thereby holding the ends of the plates 102 together and securing thefirst and second transverse wires 118 a,b against removal from thetransverse protrusions 106. In one or more embodiments, the connectorpin 202 may be made of steel bar-stock or a bent length of rebar ormolded from high strength plastic. Furthermore, each leg of the U-shapedconnector pin 202 may include a small bead 204 disposed on the insideportion of the end of each leg. In one or more embodiments, the bead 204may include a small globule of welded material and may be configured toprevent removal of the connector pin 202 once engaged with the troughs105. Further, the U-shaped connector pin 202 may have at least one endthat is cold-formed to create a knob (not shown) configured to preventthe removal of the connector pin 202 once engaged with the troughs 105.As can be appreciated, the nut 120 and bolt 122 assembly would not berequired in this exemplary embodiment, thus reducing the number of looseparts needed to make a secure connection.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is another exemplary embodiment ofa facing anchor assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the facing anchor assembly300 may include a pair of plates 302 that can be horizontally-disposedduring operation. Similar to the facing anchor assembly 100 describedabove, each plate 302 may include a vertically-disposed tab 304 havingat least one plate perforation 306 defined therein that may be used todirectly couple to the back face 130 of a facing 126 (see FIG. 1C). Eachplate 302 may also include a single, longitudinally-offset transverseprotrusion 308 for receiving and seating a first transverse wire 118 aattached or otherwise coupled to a pair of longitudinal wires 116 of asoil reinforcing element 114.

As illustrated, the transverse protrusion 308 of the top plate 302 mayreceive the first transverse wire 118 a, but in other exemplaryapplications the transverse wires 118 may be located on the underside ofthe soil reinforcing element 114, thus the first transverse wire 118 amay be captured and seated within the transverse protrusions 308 of theopposing bottom plate 302. Moreover, other applications (notspecifically illustrated herein) may include soil reinforcing elements114 with transverse wires 118 attached to both the top and the bottom ofthe longitudinal wires 116, thereby seating transverse wires 118 in thetransverse protrusion 308 of each plate 302.

A coupling assembly 310 can be used to clamp the longitudinal wires 116between the plates 302, thereby creating a frictional engagementconfigured to prevent the removal of the soil reinforcing element 114from the facing anchor assembly 300. Clamping the longitudinal wires 116between the plates 302 may also securely seat the first transverse wire118 a within the transverse protrusion 308, thereby providing equalshear stress distribution along the length of the transverse wire 118 aand further preventing the removal of the first transverse wire 118 afrom the facing anchor assembly 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, illustrated is an exemplaryconfiguration of connecting at least two soil reinforcing elements 114to a corresponding exemplary facing anchor assembly 100, as generallydescribed herein. Specifically, FIG. 4A depicts a side view of aconnection configuration including two soil reinforcing elements 114vertically-offset from each other. FIG. 4B depicts a top view of aconnection configuration including two soil reinforcing elements 114horizontally-offset from each other. As can be appreciated, the offsetdistance between each soil reinforcing element connection may depend onthe specific application or stress requirements.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plates 102 of the facinganchor assembly 100 can be cast into the back face 130 of the facing126, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 1C. In other embodiments,the plates 102 may be bolted directly to the back face 130, as alsodiscussed above. In at least one embodiment, the facing 126 may includea concrete panel or wall having reinforcing 402 cast therein to provideadded reinforcement and tensile strength to the facing 126. Thereinforcing 402 can include a plurality of transverse members 404 and aplurality of horizontal members 406, thereby forming a grid. Moreover,the reinforcing 402 may be cast into the facing 126 in front of the tabs104 of the plates 102 to provide additional lateral strength for theanchor assembly 100 by adding supplementary resistance to being pulledout of the concrete.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, illustrated is an exemplary embodimentof a swiveling facing anchor 500 that may provide a soil reinforcingelement 114 connection that is capable of swiveling in a horizontalplane. Employing the exemplary swiveling facing anchor 500 may proveadvantageous in MSE areas where a vertical obstruction, such as adrainage pipe, catch basin, bridge pile, or bridge pier may beencountered in the MSE field. To avoid such obstructions, the soilreinforcing element 114 may simply swivel out of range of theobstruction, yet maintain a secure connection.

As illustrated, the swiveling facing anchor 500 may generally includethe facing anchor assembly 100, as described above, but may also includea swivel plate 502 and a retainer plate 508. The swivel plate 502 mayhave a first transverse protrusion 504 and a second transverseprotrusion 506 for seating and securing first and second transversewires 118 a,b. As can be appreciated, other embodiments may include aswivel plate 502 having more or less transverse protrusions 506 to fit avariety of applications. The retainer plate 508 may include a firstelevation 507 at a first end bound in conjunction with the facing anchorassembly 100, and a second elevation 509 at a second end bound inconjunction with the swivel plate 502. In at least one embodiment, theretainer plate 508 may be configured to provide a binding surface wherethe longitudinal wires 116 of the soil reinforcing element 114 can beclamped to the swivel plate 502. In other exemplary embodiments, theretainer plate 508 may simply include the second elevation 509 toprovide the binding engagement to the longitudinal wires 116.

The swiveling facing anchor may further include a first couplingassembly 510 and a second coupling assembly 518. The first couplingassembly 510 may be used to couple the facing anchor assembly 100 toboth the swivel plate 502 and the retainer plate 508. In at least oneembodiment, the first coupling assembly 510 may include a bolt 511 andnut 516 assembly having a washer disposed at each end, but may alsoinclude other means of mechanical coupling without departing from thescope of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the bolt 511 may beextended through the coupling perforation 108 defined in each plate 102and also extended through separate concentric perforations 512,514defined in both the swivel plate 502 and the retainer plate 508,respectively. The nut 516 may be tightened onto the bolt 511 to securethe swivel plate 502 and the retainer plate 508 from removal.

The second coupling assembly 518 may be substantially similar to thefirst coupling assembly 510 and may be used to couple the swivel plate502 to the retainer plate 508, and also may serve to seat the first andsecond transverse wires 118 a,b within the first and second transverseprotrusions 504,506, respectively. As described above, coupling theswivel plate 502 to the retainer plate 508 may also provide a bindingengagement to the longitudinal wires 116 of the soil reinforcing element114. A bolt 520 of the second coupling assembly 518 may be extendedthrough a coupling perforation 522 defined in the swivel plate 502, andalso extended through a retainer perforation 524 defined in the retainerplate 508. A nut 526 may be tightened onto the bolt 520 to effectivelyclamp down on the longitudinal wires 116, thereby creating a frictionalengagement configured to prevent the removal of the soil reinforcingelement 114.

Referring to FIG. 5A, before completely tightening the first couplingassembly 510, the soil reinforcing element 114 may be pivoted within theearthen formation 128 to avoid any vertical obstructions presenttherein. For example, the soil reinforcing element 114, including theswivel plate 502 and retainer plate 508 coupled thereto, may rotate orswivel about an axis X and rotatingly translate along a horizontal planein the direction of arrow A. Once the element 114 is positioned in anadequate location avoiding MSE mass obstructions, the first couplingassembly 510 may be fully tightened for permanent use.

Referring now to FIG. 6, depicted is another exemplary embodiment of aswiveling facing anchor 600. The exemplary swiveling facing anchor 600may be configured to be coupled or otherwise secured to a rigid facing602 adjacent to an earthen formation 128. In at least one embodiment,the rigid facing 602 may be made of steel, while in other embodimentsthe rigid facing 602 may be made of a high-strength plastic. Each rigidfacing 602 may include a first lip 604 vertically-offset from a secondlip 606, wherein each lip 604,606 extends toward the earthen formation128 and provides a surface where the lips 604,606 of succeeding rigidfacings 602 may be coupled together and stacked one atop the other toform a substantially vertical wall.

The exemplary swiveling facing anchor 600 may include a pair of swivelplates 603, substantially similar to the swivel plate 502 generallydescribed with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B above. In one or moreembodiments, each swivel plate 603 may include a first transverseprotrusion 608 and a second transverse protrusion 610 for seating andsecuring first and second transverse wires 118 a,b of a soil reinforcingelement 114.

A first coupling assembly 611 may be used to couple the pair of swivelplates 603 to the rigid facing 602 via a stacked engagement of a firstlip 604 and a second lip 606 of succeeding rigid facings 602. In atleast one embodiment, the first coupling assembly 611 may include a boltand nut assembly having a washer disposed at each end, but may alsoinclude other means of mechanical coupling without departing from thescope of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, a bolt (notlabeled) of the coupling assembly 611 may be extended through concentricperforations defined in each swivel plate 603 and also defined in thefirst and second lips 604,606 of succeeding rigid facings 602. Asillustrated, the swivel plates 603 may be coupled adjacent the top andthe bottom of the first and second lips 604,606 of succeeding rigidfacings 602, thereby forming a secure engagement with succeeding rigidfacings 602. A nut (not shown) may then be tightened onto the end of thebolt to clamp the swivel plates 603 to the first and second lips 604,606of succeeding rigid facings 602.

A second coupling assembly 612 may be used to seat the first and secondtransverse wires 118 a,b within first and second transverse protrusions608, 610 of at least one swivel plate 603. In at least one embodiment,the second coupling assembly 612 may be substantially similar to thefirst coupling assembly 611, wherein a bolt (not labeled) may beextended through coupling perforations (not shown) in each swivel plate603 and a nut (not shown) may be tightened onto the end of the bolt toclamp down on the longitudinal wires 116. Tightly securing the secondcoupling assembly 612 may create a frictional engagement configured toprevent the removal of the soil reinforcing element 114.

In another exemplary embodiment, not illustrated herein, the first andsecond transverse wires 118 a,b may be secured against removal using theU-shaped connector pin 202, as generally described with reference toFIGS. 2 a and 2B. Specifically, each swivel plate 603 may also define atrough 614 configured to receive a leg of the connector pin 202 (seeFIG. 2 a). As can be appreciated, the connector pin 202 may serve tohold the ends of the swivel plates 603 together, thereby securing thefirst and second transverse wires 118 a,b against removal from thetransverse protrusions 608,604 of either swivel plate 603.

Before completely tightening the first coupling assembly 611, the soilreinforcing element 114 may be pivoted within the earthen formation 128to avoid any vertical obstructions present therein. In an exemplaryembodiment, the soil reinforcing element 114, including the swivelplates 603 coupled thereto, may rotate or swivel about an axis X androtatingly translate along a horizontal plane in the direction of arrowA. Once the element 114 is positioned in an adequate location avoidingMSE mass obstructions, the first coupling assembly 611 may be fullytightened for permanent use.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D, illustrated is yet another exemplaryfacing anchor 700 that may be used to secure a soil reinforcing element114 to a facing 702. In one or more embodiments, the facing 702 (seeFIGS. 7C and 7D) may include a vertically-disposed, welded wire gridhaving a series of vertical wires 704 welded or otherwise coupled to aseries of horizontal wires 706. The facing 702 may be secured to anearthen formation (not shown) via a connection between the facing anchor700 and the soil reinforcing elements 114, and configured to aid in theprevention of the loosening or raveling of the soil between successivelayers of soil reinforcing. In alternative embodiments, the facing 702may be made of non-metallic materials, including, but not limited to,plastics or ceramics, and do not necessarily have to be arranged in asubstantially horizontal to vertical grid-like pattern.

In at least one embodiment, the exemplary facing anchor 700 may includea one-piece device capable of receiving and securely seating at leastone transverse wire 118 of the soil reinforcing element 114, andsimultaneously connecting to at least one horizontal wire 706 of thefacing 702. As illustrated, the facing anchor 700 may include a firstside 708 and a second side 710, where each side 708,710 may be connectedby a connecting member 712 at one end. The connecting member 712 mayinclude a 180° turn in the facing anchor 700, thereby defining a gap 711(FIG. 7B) between the first and second sides 708,710. The gap 711 may beconfigured to longitudinally receive the combination of at least onetransverse wire 118 coupled to the longitudinal wires 116. Moreover, theconnecting member 712 may also define a vertical slot 713, as will befurther discussed below.

Each side 708,710 may define two transverse protrusions 714, however,other exemplary embodiments may define more or less than two transverseprotrusions 714 to fit other exemplary applications. A couplingperforation 716 and a trough 718 may also be defined on each side708,710. In embodiments having two transverse protrusions 714, asillustrated, the coupling perforation 716 of each side 708,710 may beconcentrically defined therebetween. Thus, in at least one embodiment,the first and second sides 708,710 can encompass mirror images of eachother.

Referring to FIG. 7C, an exemplary method of coupling the facing anchor700 to the facing 702 is depicted. In at least one embodiment, theconnecting member 712 of the facing anchor 700 may be configured toreceive, or be hooked on a horizontal wire 706 of the facing 702 betweentwo adjacent vertical wires 704. To secure the facing anchor 700 to thehorizontal wire 706, and prevent its removal therefrom, a pin 719 may beinserted into the vertical slot 713 defined in the connecting member712. In at least one embodiment, the pin 719 may provide a biasingengagement against both the horizontal wire 706 and the vertical slot713 of the facing anchor 700. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin 719can be made of a metal and may be bent on one end into a generallyL-shaped rod. In one or more embodiments, the pin 719 may be made of barstock, however, in other embodiments the pin 719 may simply include alength of rebar bent at one end.

Similar to the coupling assemblies 122,310,510,518,611,612 describedabove, a coupling assembly 720 may be used to secure a first and asecond transverse wire 118 a,b within the transverse protrusions 714 ofat least one side 708,710 of the facing anchor 700. Other embodimentsmay seat and secure more or less transverse wires 118 to the facinganchor 700, including having transverse wires 118 seated and securedwithin transverse protrusions 714 of both sides 708,710, or anycombination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the coupling assembly720 may include a bolt and nut assembly having a washer disposed at eachend, but may also include other means of mechanical coupling withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. In exemplary operation, abolt 721 may be extended through the coupling perforations 716 (seeFIGS. 7A and 7B) of each side 708,710 and a nut 722 may be tightenedonto the end of the bolt 721 to clamp down on the longitudinal wires116, thereby creating a frictional engagement to prevent the removal ofthe soil reinforcing element 114.

Referring to FIG. 7D, another exemplary method of coupling the facinganchor 700 to a facing 702 is depicted. Similar to the embodimentsdisclosed in FIGS. 2 a and 2B, a U-shaped connector pin 724 may used tosecure the sides 708,710 of the facing anchor 700 together, therebyfurther securing the first and second transverse wires 118 a,b againstremoval from the transverse protrusions 714. In exemplary operation, theconnector pin 724 may be inserted laterally into the troughs 718 definedon each side 708,710 of the facing anchor 700. In at least oneembodiment, the connector pin 724 may include a small bead 726 disposedon the inside end portion of each leg of the connector pin 724. In oneor more embodiments, the bead 726 may include a small globule of weldedmaterial and may be configured to prevent removal of the connector pin724 once in place. Further, the U-shaped connector pin 724 may have atleast one end cold-formed to create a knob configured to prevent theremoval of the connector pin 724 once engaged with the troughs 718.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the disclosure isillustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details ofthe illustrated construction may be made within the scope of theappended claims without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.While the preceding description shows and describes one or moreembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes in form and detail may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example,various steps of the described methods may be executed repetitively,combined, further divided, replaced with alternate steps, or removedentirely. In addition, different shapes and sizes of elements may becombined in different configurations to achieve the desired earthretaining structures. Therefore, the claims should be interpreted in abroad manner, consistent with the present disclosure.

We claim:
 1. A facing anchor assembly for securing a facing to a soilreinforcing element, comprising: a first horizontally-disposed plate anda second horizontally-disposed plate vertically-offset from the firsthorizontally-disposed plate, each horizontally disposed plate having afirst end and a second end; at least one transverse protrusion disposedbetween the first end and the second end of each horizontally-disposedplate, wherein the at least one transverse protrusion is configured toreceive and seat a first transverse wire of the soil reinforcingelement; and a coupling assembly configured to secure the firsttransverse wire within the at least one transverse protrusion andfurther engage a pair of longitudinal wires of the soil reinforcingelement between the first and second horizontally-disposed plates,thereby preventing removal of the soil reinforcing element.
 2. Thefacing anchor assembly of claim 1, further comprising a vertical tabdisposed at the first end of each horizontally-disposed plate, whereinthe vertical tab of each horizontally-disposed plate is cast into thefacing.
 3. The facing anchor assembly of claim 1, further comprising avertical tab disposed at the first end of each horizontally-disposedplate, wherein the vertical tab of each horizontally-disposed platecomprises a facing perforation whereby the horizontally-disposed platesare mounted to a back face of the facing.
 4. The facing anchor assemblyof claim 1, further comprising two transverse protrusions disposedbetween the first end and the second end of each horizontally-disposedplate, wherein the two transverse protrusions of are configured toreceive and seat the first transverse wire and a second transverse wireof the soil reinforcing element.
 5. The facing anchor assembly of claim1, wherein a coupling perforation is defined between the at least onetransverse protrusion and the second end of each horizontally-disposedplate.
 6. The facing anchor assembly of claim 5, wherein the couplingassembly comprises a bolt extendable through the coupling perforation ofeach horizontally-disposed plate and secured with a nut threadablyattached to the bolt.
 7. A facing anchor assembly for securing a facingto a soil reinforcing element, comprising: a first horizontally-disposedplate and a second horizontally-disposed plate vertically-offset fromthe first horizontally-disposed plate, wherein each horizontallydisposed plate has a first end and a second end; a swivel plate having afirst end and a second end, the first end of the swivel plate beingconfigured to be coupled to the second end of the first and secondhorizontally-disposed plates; at least one transverse protrusiondisposed between the first and second ends of the swivel plate, whereinthe at least one transverse protrusion is configured to receive and seata first transverse wire of the soil reinforcing element; a retainerplate configured to be coupled to the second end of the swivel plate andengage a pair of longitudinal wires of the soil reinforcing elementbetween the retainer plate and the swivel plate; a first couplingassembly adapted to pivotably secure the swivel plate between the firstand second horizontally disposed plates; and a second coupling assemblyconfigured to secure the first transverse wire within the at least onetransverse protrusion and further bind the pair of longitudinal wires ofthe soil reinforcing element between swivel plate and the retainerplate, thereby preventing removal of the soil reinforcing element. 8.The facing anchor assembly of claim 7, further comprising a vertical tabdisposed at the first end of each horizontally-disposed plate, whereinthe vertical tab of each horizontally-disposed plate is cast into thefacing.
 9. The facing anchor assembly of claim 7, further comprising avertical tab disposed at the first end of each horizontally-disposedplate, wherein the vertical tab of each horizontally-disposed platecomprises a facing perforation whereby the horizontally-disposed platesare mounted to a back face of the facing.
 10. The facing anchor assemblyof claim 7, wherein the first coupling assembly comprises a boltextendable through concentric coupling perforations defined in both theswivel plate and the first and second horizontally-disposed plates, witha nut threadably attached to the bolt.
 11. The facing anchor assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the soil reinforcing element is rotatable in ahorizontal plane about an axis defined by the first coupling assembly.12. The facing anchor assembly of claim 7, wherein the swivel plate hastwo transverse protrusions disposed between the first and second ends ofthe swivel plate that are configured to receive and seat the firsttransverse wire and a second transverse wire of the soil reinforcingelement.
 13. The facing anchor assembly of claim 12, wherein a firstcoupling perforation is defined in the swivel plate between the twotransverse protrusions and a second coupling perforation is definedconcentrically with the first coupling perforation in the retainerplate.
 14. The facing anchor assembly of claim 13, wherein the secondcoupling assembly comprises a bolt extendable through the first andsecond coupling perforations and secured with a nut threadably attachedto the bolt.
 15. The facing anchor assembly of claim 7, wherein a firstcoupling perforation is defined between the at least one transverseprotrusion and the second end of the swivel plate, and a second couplingperforation is defined concentrically with the first couplingperforation in the retainer plate.
 16. The facing anchor assembly ofclaim 15, wherein the second coupling assembly comprises a boltextendable through the first and second coupling perforations andsecured with a nut threadably attached to the bolt.
 17. A facing anchorassembly for securing a facing to a soil reinforcing element,comprising: a first horizontally-disposed plate and a secondhorizontally-disposed plate vertically-offset from the firsthorizontally-disposed plate, wherein each horizontally disposed platehaving a first end and a second end, and wherein the first and secondhorizontally disposed plates are connected at the first ends by aconnecting member configured to receive a horizontal wire of the facingbetween two adjacent vertical wires of the facing; at least onetransverse protrusion disposed between the first end and the second endof each horizontally-disposed plate, wherein the at least one transverseprotrusion is configured to receive and seat a first transverse wire ofthe soil reinforcing element; a trough disposed at the second end ofeach horizontally-disposed plate; and a coupling assembly comprising aU-shaped connector pin configured to be inserted into the trough of eachhorizontally-disposed plate, the coupling assembly configured to securethe first transverse wire within the at least one transverse protrusionand further engage a pair of longitudinal wires of the soil reinforcingelement between the first and second horizontally-disposed plates,thereby preventing removal of the soil reinforcing element.
 18. Thefacing anchor assembly of claim 17, further comprising a vertical slotdefined in the connecting member, wherein the vertical slot receives apin configured to engage both the horizontal wire and the vertical slot,thereby preventing removal of the facing anchor assembly from thefacing.
 19. The facing anchor assembly of claim 17, further comprisingtwo transverse protrusions disposed between the first end and the secondend of each horizontally-disposed plate, wherein the two transverseprotrusions of are configured to receive and seat the first transversewire and a second transverse wire of the soil reinforcing element. 20.The facing anchor assembly of claim 17, wherein a coupling perforationis defined between the at least one transverse protrusion and the secondend of each horizontally-disposed plate.